Trail Fast Facts

Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay is a 12km, grade 3 hike in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.

Length: 12km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: One Way

Start: Elliot Ridge

End: Blanket Bay

Location: Great Otway National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Apollo Bay

From state capital: 206km

Latitude: -38.78740453877779

Longitude: 143.61098006163905

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

Reviews

Warning

There is no vehicle access to the start of this hike at Elliot Ridge Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.

Hike Overview

Stage 3 of the Great Ocean Walk takes you from Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay. This section is known for its easy terrain and can be completed in around 4 hours, allowing for a leisurely start. The trail winds through towering Mountain Ash forests with ferns and lush undergrowth. While some hikers find this less exciting, lacking ocean views, it offers a quintessential Otway experience, immersing you in the beauty of the native forests.

Elliot Ridge hike-in campsite is one of the picturesque camping areas on the Great Ocean Walk. It is only accessible by walking.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Map and GPX file

Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay Hike (12km)

Total distance: 11758 m
Max elevation: 244 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 244 m
Total descent: -376 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay Hike (12km)

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Photo gallery

Image: Parks Victoria

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.

The Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Great Otway National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay Hike (12km)

1 Review on “Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay Hike (12km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

A relaxing 12km hike through some beautiful Otway forest. While there weren’t constant ocean views like some of the other stages, the towering Mountain Ash forests were pretty special in their own way. The lush ferns and undergrowth really made you feel immersed in nature. At 4 hours, it was a nice leisurely walk – perfect for a morning stroll after a night at the Elliot Ridge campsite. This section is a great grade 3 hike for anyone wanting a break from the coast and a chance to experience the beauty of the Otway forests.

15/04/2024, 19:49

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.